Great Basin National Park Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to stay, and where to eat in Great Basin National Park with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your next adventure today!


Introduction to Great Basin National Park

Nestled in Central Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. This beautiful park boasts natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and exciting adventure opportunities. Visitors can explore the stunning mountain ranges, take a stroll through lush meadows, and enjoy the dark, starry skies. Great Basin National Park offers something for everyone - from avid hikers to astronomy enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Great Basin National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lehman Caves: A visit to Great Basin National Park is not complete without exploring the Lehman Caves. These underground marvels are home to unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites.
  • Fossil Exhibit Trail: Discover the ancient history of the park with a visit to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. You can see 500-million-year-old fossils and learn about the park’s geology.
  • Baker Archaeological Site: For history buffs, a visit to the Baker Archaeological Site is a must. Here, visitors can explore the remnants of an ancient community dating back to the Fremont people.

Natural Attractions of Great Basin National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wheeler Peak: The elegant Wheeler Peak stands tall at the heart of the park, reaching an impressive 13,063 feet. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a must-visit for hikers and climbers.
  • Bristlecone Pine Forest: Step into a different world at the Bristlecone Pine Forest, which is home to trees that are over 4,000 years old. The vista from this forest is truly breathtaking.
  • Lexington Arch: Discover a hidden gem in Great Basin National Park with Lexington Arch. This natural arch is a stunning sight to behold and can be accessed via a moderate hike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park offers plenty of trails that are perfect for hikers and mountain bikers alike. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Wheeler Peak Summit Trail: For those looking for a challenge, the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail is a challenging trek that is worth the effort.
  • Alpine Lakes Loop Trail: This moderate hike takes you on a scenic journey through aspen groves and mountain meadows, with views of glacially-formed lakes.
  • Baker Creek Trail: This easy hike follows an alpine stream and takes you through lush meadows filled with wildflowers.

Best Things to Do in Great Basin National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Astronomy Programs: Great Basin National Park is home to some of the darkest skies in the continental United States, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. Attend one of the park’s astronomy programs, which are held throughout the year, to learn about constellations, planets, and other celestial beings.
  • Snake Valley Festival: This annual festival celebrates the local culture and heritage of the Snake Valley, which Great Basin National Park is a part of. Visitors can enjoy local food, music, and art at the festival.
  • Tours: Take a ranger-guided tour of the Lehman Caves or explore the park on a guided hike.

Week-Long Itinerary for Great Basin National Park

If you’re planning to spend a week in Great Basin National Park, here’s how you can spend your time:

  • Day 1-2: Explore the Lehman Caves, Fossil Exhibit Trail, and Baker Archaeological Site.
  • Day 3-4: Hike up to Wheeler Peak and take in the stunning views, then spend the afternoon at the Bristlecone Pine Forest.
  • Day 5: Take a ranger-guided tour of Lehman Caves or explore the park on a guided hike.
  • Day 6: Attend one of the many astronomy programs at Great Basin National Park.
  • Day 7: Wrap up your trip with a visit to Lexington Arch followed by a local food tour.

Food and Drink Scene of Great Basin National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Basque Food: Basque immigrants brought their cuisine to the region in the early 1900s. Try dishes such as the Basque omelet or lamb stew at the nearby Border Inn or the Overland Hotel.
  • Fry Bread: A staple of Native American cuisine, fry bread is a must-try snack when visiting Great Basin National Park.

Local Beverages

  • Lone Mountain Brewery: This local brewery in Carson City offers a range of craft beers that are perfect for winding down after a long day of hiking or exploring.
  • Great Basin Vineyards: For those who prefer wine, the Great Basin Vineyards offer an elegant tasting room and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Where to Stay in Great Basin National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodation when visiting Great Basin National Park, including:

  • The Border Inn: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and casino. It is located near the entrance to the park.
  • Lehman Caves Campground: The Lehman Caves Campground offers campsites, a picnic area, and fire pits. It is a perfect spot for enjoying the outdoors.
  • Stargazer Inn: This inn offers comfortable rooms and is located close to the Lehman Caves.

What to Buy in Great Basin National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Great Basin National Park, consider bringing home the following souvenirs and local products:

  • Native American Jewelry: You can find a range of unique Native American jewelry at the park’s gift shops and visitors center.
  • Local Honey: Great Basin National Park is home to several beekeepers who sell their products at local markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is home to several indigenous communities, including the Western Shoshone and Southern Paiute tribes. Visitors should be respectful of their culture and customs and follow the rules and regulations of the park.

Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park

The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is from June to September. The weather is mild during this time, and the park is more accessible. However, visitors can also enjoy the park’s winter activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, from December to February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great Basin National Park

Do:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather and bring layers.
  • Carry water and snacks with you on hikes and outdoor adventures.
  • Take advantage of ranger-guided tours and programs.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the park.
  • Disturb the wildlife or their habitats.
  • Leave campfires unattended.

Safety and Health

Safety in Great Basin National Park

While exploring the park, visitors should be aware of the following safety concerns:

  • Altitude Sickness: With peaks over 13,000 feet, altitude sickness can be a concern for visitors. Take the necessary precautions, such as drinking plenty of water and acclimating slowly.
  • Weather: Weather can be unpredictable in Great Basin National Park. Visitors should check the forecast and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

Health in Great Basin National Park

There are several health concerns to be aware of when visiting Great Basin National Park, including:

  • Dehydration: With the hot summer months, it’s important to stay hydrated while exploring the park.
  • Sun Exposure: Visitors should protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

Getting to Great Basin National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Great Basin National Park

The closest major airport to Great Basin National Park is Salt Lake City International Airport, around 240 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Great Basin National Park

Greyhound offers bus services to Ely, Nevada, which is 63 miles away from the park.

Other Options

The best way to get around Great Basin National Park is by car. However, there are also shuttle services available from nearby towns such as Ely.

How to Get Around in Great Basin National Park

Visitors can drive around Great Basin National Park and take advantage of the scenic roads within the park. There are also several hiking trails and bike paths for those looking to explore on foot or by bike.

Where to Go Next from Great Basin National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Death Valley National Park: This national park is a few hours’ drive from Great Basin National Park and offers unique desert landscapes and incredible scenery.
  • Salt Lake City: The capital city of Utah is around 240 miles from the park and offers a range of attractions such as the Mormon Temple and Great Salt Lake.

Conclusion

Great Basin National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with stunning natural beauty, rich cultural history, and exciting adventure opportunities. By following this travel guide, visitors can make the most of their trip and experience all that this incredible destination has to offer.

View of the park from Lexington Road View of the park from Lexington Road The The "Sunk Gardens" in the Lehman Caves Upper Lehman Creek Upper Lehman Creek Lexington Arch Lexington Arch Stella Lake Stella Lake